In a renewed push for stricter immigration enforcement, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under US President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a stern message to foreign nationals overstaying in the country. According to an official post shared by the department on X (formerly Twitter), foreign nationals who remain in the US beyond 30 days are now required to register with the federal government. Failure to comply may result in fines and imprisonment.
“Foreign nationals present in the US longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport,” the department posted, tagging President Trump’s official handle and Krishi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Foreign nationals present in the U.S. longer than 30 days must register with the federal government. Failure to comply is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem have a clear message to Illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW and self-deport. pic.twitter.com/FrsAQtUA7H
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 12, 2025
While the directive does not directly impact individuals holding valid visas such as H-1B or student permits, it signals a significant tightening of oversight on undocumented immigration. The post further cautioned that visa holders, especially those on H-1B who may have lost their jobs, must ensure compliance by leaving the country within the stipulated period to avoid punitive action.
In a directive titled “Message to Illegal Aliens,” the DHS has urged foreign nationals residing in the US without proper authorisation to self-deport and highlighted the supposed benefits of doing so.
“Self-deportation is safe. Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight. Keep money earned in the US if you self-deport as a non-criminal illegal alien,” it said.
US Stresses Self-Deportation Allows Immigrants To Return Legally
The department also noted that self-deportation could preserve an individual’s chances of legal immigration in the future. For those unable to afford travel, the post mentioned the possibility of accessing subsidised flights.
Outlining the consequences of non-compliance, the post stated that individuals identified as staying illegally would face immediate deportation. “A fine of $998 per day if you received a final order of removal and stayed. A fine of $1,000-$5,000 if you fail to self-deport after claiming that you will. If you fail to self-deport, you may be subject to jail time,” it warned.
The deadline for registration under the Alien Registration Act is today. Failure to register is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.
We will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland. pic.twitter.com/5TVPHo3fJy
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 11, 2025
Additionally, the department noted that failure to register would result in a permanent ban from re-entering the United States through the legal immigration system.
The move underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing emphasis on immigration control, as reflected in the tone and language of the department’s communications.
